Update: Simon submits himself for questioning

Orioles reliever Alfredo Simon, the primary suspect in a fatal New Year’s Eve shooting in the Dominican Republic, submitted himself to police for questioning on Monday morning. The news, first reported by the Associated Press, was confirmed to MLB.com by one of Simon’s agents, Phil Isaac.

Isaac, of Para Sports Group, spoke with Simon on Sunday night and was waiting to hear back from his client following Monday’s meeting with the police.

“We are optimistic that hopefully this will be the end of the matter,” Isaac said in a phone interview early Monday afternoon.

Simon has been accused of allegedly shooting and killing 25-year-old Michel Castillo Almonte while attending a New Year’s Eve celebration in the coastal town of Luperon. Almonte’s 17-year-old brother, Starlin, was also wounded in the incident, according to the police statement.

The Orioles have not officially commented on the allegations; however, one of the club’s Dominican representatives, Felipe Alou Jr., told the AP Sunday that he had spoken with Simon and the right-hander denied involvement.

The Orioles pitcher was joined Monday in the courthouse in Puerto Plata by attorney Carlos Olivares and close friend and former teammate Julio Lugo. Former Oriole Miguel Tejada has also reached out, according to Isaac, as well as a large number of Dominican-born baseball players, including those who have never played with Simon.

The 29-year-old Simon was a key part of the Orioles bullpen in the wake of injuries to closer Koji Uehara, Michael Gonzalez and Jim Johnson. His contract was purchased less than a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery and Simon compiled 17 saves in Uehara’s absence. He went 4-2 with a 4.93 ERA in total last season and was projected to be a part of the club’s 2011 bullpen.

If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

2 Comments

Britt, when someone “turns themself in to the police” its assumed they’re under arrest, which is NOT the case with Alberto Simon. It is very offensive to me that the MLB site is still running your original post, including the use of “surrendering.” Sensationalization with words like “surrending” & “turning himself in” as part of your story is very unprofessional!

Please correct the story in order to maintain your credibility! Thank you.

Its being reported via a Dominican Republic newspaper who interviewed Alberto Simon today, that the deceased is a “good friend” of his. Alberto reportedly fired some shots up in the air and then left the park. Later, he was confronted by someone who accused him of the “killing.”

Categories

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.